The 2025 celebration of the Meko Bono festival has realised GH₵4.65 million seed capital during a fund-raising rally to push the holistic development of the Bono and Bono East Regions.
The festival is celebrated annually to highlight, showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage of the chiefs and people of the Bono people.
Held at Odomase in the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region, mostly natives of the region took their turns to contribute to cash and in pledges in support of the fund, which would be used to improve physical infrastructure development.
Osagyefo Oseadeyo Dr Agyeman Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area who donated GH₵10 million noted that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of facilitating the sustainable national development.
He said traditional authorities also had a vital role to play in advancing national progress and development and pledged his commitment to support and push sustainable development.
The weeklong celebration of the festival was on the theme “From Unity and Heritage to Prosperity”.
The festival was climaxed with a durbar of chiefs and people of the two regions.
Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu II said the contributions of everybody were required for the fund to generate the needed resources.
He urged the people to contribute their quota as well, adding that the fund would be utilized judiciously to promote viable development projects and could create jobs for the people.
He said the festival ought to evolve beyond cultural exhibitions, becoming a platform for resource mobilisation to accelerate regional development.
Nana Ama Kwaakyewaa, the Chief Executive Officer of Bonofie, organisers of Meko Bono festival said the celebration reflected a shared aspiration for strengthening unity and social cohesion.
She said: “What we have witnessed today is exactly what we envisioned, a festival that goes beyond celebration and channels its energy into progressive development.”
Nana Kwakyewaa said she was hopeful that the festival would evolve into an international tourism event, showcasing the region’s unique traditions and to boost cultural tourism and economic activities.
“The festival doesn’t only celebrate the region’s cultural heritage but also educates the younger generation about the customs and values of the Bonos,” Nana Kwakyewaa said.
